BENNINGTON -- Police arrested a man early Friday morning after he allegedly shot and killed his dog, pulling the trigger three times.

Bennington Police Lt. Lloyd Dean said officers responded to the White Birches mobile home park after 3 a.m. after reports of shots being fired.

Dean said Sgt. Cam Grande and Officer Josh Stemp found a dead pit bull that was still chained to its doghouse. The dog appeared to have been shot and killed.

The officers tried to contact the trailer occupant, 47-year-old Edward Trombley, but he did not respond, according to Dean. Grande and Stemp secured the scene and called for additional officers. Grande obtained a search warrant for the mobile home, and Trombley was found after officers made a tactical approach, Dean said.

A search of the mobile home revealed a .22-caliber rifle and ammunition, as well as a three-foot-tall marijuana plant. Dean said officers interviewed Trombley, who admitted to shooting the dog three times. Trombley said the dog was mean and he was not able to train him, according to Dean. Trombley also said the dog had nipped at him earlier in the day.

Dean said Trombley is being charged with a felony count of aggravated cruelty to an animal, reckless endangerment and possession of a growing marijuana plant. He will also be charged with possessing a pill of Diazepam that was not prescribed to him.

Dean said a family member posted $5,000 bail for Trombley. He will be arraigned in Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division later this month. Dean said the dog was taken by Bennington Animal Control to the West Mountain Animal Hospital to confirm the manner of death.

Trombley, a convicted felon, has a lengthy criminal history and is not allowed to purchase, possess or own a firearm, Dean said.

-- Neal Goswami